LLANDRINDOD Wells Town Council says it “totally opposes” proposals to build an energy park near the spa town.

Renewable energy developer Bute Energy’s latest phase of proposals, announced in November, would see energy parks built on two separate sites at beauty spots surrounding Llandrindod and Builth Wells.

The Bryn Gilwern Energy Park could possibly see turbines and associated infrastructure appear on Gilwern Hill, between Llandrindod and Builth, just west of Hundred House.

The Aberedw Energy Park would be built on high ground, possibly on Aberedw Hill, just south of Builth.

Combined, the proposed energy parks will have up to 34 turbines with a maximum height of 220 metres at Bryn Gilwern and 200 metres at Aberedw.

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“Llandrindod Wells Town Council totally opposes these plans and is planning a public meeting for local residents,” the town council said in a post on its Facebook page last Friday, following our latest story on the issue.

“Further information will be published once the date and venue are confirmed.”

Diana Babcock Smythe, replying to the post, called on local residents to fight proposals. She said: “Devastating is right – wouldn’t mind if they worked well but they don’t.

“And as for the destruction of some of the most beautiful landscape in the British Isles the impact will be devastating. We must all fight this proposal robustly.”

A six-week consultation period for Bryn Gilwern and Aberedw was launched in November last year, ending on December 20, with Bute Energy last week thanking local residents and groups for their engagement.

Bute said over 400 people attended three public events, held in Llandrindod, Penybont and Builth.

Action group RE-think says plans, if green-lighted, would destroy one of the most beautiful parts of Wales.

County Times: People in Powys have been making their feelings known regarding Bute Energy plans for a string of energy parks throughout the county. People in Powys have been making their feelings known regarding Bute Energy plans for a string of energy parks throughout the county. (Image: Matt Jones)

“The cumulative effect of these energy parks would be absolutely catastrophic for Wales,” said Jenny Chryss, of RE-think.

“It’s unbelievable they’re even thinking of bringing this forward. I was up walking on Gilwern this week, where people come from all over to visit, and we’re being treated as if it’s a wasteland, when it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Wales.”

James Nicol, project manager at Bute Energy, said: “We are pleased to have spoken to local communities about our plans, and the role that developments like this can play in responding to the climate emergency.

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“Thank you to all those who have engaged with us so far, we greatly appreciate people taking the time to let us know their thoughts on our early stage proposals.

“We will take them into account, alongside environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation.”

Bute says all feedback is to be considered, along with reports from environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation, expected to take place later this year.

The Scottish company says it expects to submit a planning application to the Welsh Government in 2025.

Bute initially unveiled plans for its flagship Nant Mithil Energy Park, in the heart of the Radnor Forest at Llandegley, just outside Llandrindod, in September 2022.

Research soon revealed proposals would include a network of energy parks through Powys.